philanthropist

American  

[fi-lan-thruh-pist] / fɪˈlæn θrə pɪst /

noun

1. a person, typically a wealthy one, who has an altruistic concern for human welfare and shows it by donating money, property, time, or work to aid people in need or to support institutions that serve the public.

   In his private life he was a major philanthropist who spent over $2 billion on causes ranging from education to healthcare.

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Other Word Forms

• philanthropistic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of philanthropist

First recorded in 1720–30; philanthrop(y) + -ist

Explanation

A philanthropist is a person who gives money or gifts to charities, or helps needy people in other ways. Famous examples include Andrew Carnegie and Bill & Melinda Gates. In English, the -ist suffix describes a person who does a particular action. A philanthropist practices philanthropy. Philanthropists are wealthy people with a generous nature and a concern for human welfare. Philanthropy is from Late Latin philanthrōpia, from Greek, from philanthrōpos "humane, kind," from the prefix phil- plus anthrōpos "man, mankind."

Example Sentences

Philanthropist Carla Sands, the widow of a real estate mogul, became ambassador to Denmark.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 29, 2023

Philanthropist David M. Rubenstein has pledged $10 million.

From Washington Post • Jul. 18, 2022

He referred to himself in his press releases as "Science Philanthropist Jeffrey Epstein," "Education activist Jeffrey Epstein," "Evolutionary Jeffrey Epstein," "Science patron Jeffrey Epstein" and "Maverick hedge funder Jeffrey Epstein."

From Salon • Dec. 8, 2021

Philanthropist, businesswoman and a global advocate for women and girls.

From BBC • Dec. 6, 2021

Philanthropist, business and civic leader for many years.

From Arkansas Governors and United States Senators by Ferguson, John L. (John Lewis)

Related Words

• benefactor
• contributor
• donor
• patron